is anyone else having a problem stamping a clear image? i just picked up the "wet cement" and cannot seem to get a clear stamped image - the ink seems to be very blotchy. anyone else having this problem? any suggestions?
My experience is that the blotchiness is only there until the ink is dry, and then it dries into a nice smooth color. In fact, these are my favorite inks for large stamps with lots of solid area. Maybe inking it more thoroughly would help, but do expect blotchiness at first.
I also bought this to try and was unimpressed. I know the image is to smooth out as it dries, but mine did not. Was disappointed. I was going to try playing some more, but have not had the chance yet. I'm hoping it gets better or was just the stamp I was using.
I'll be watching. I had a similar result the first time and haven't used it again. my result was similar to what I get w/ the JBS inks, but didn't really try to much. Does it matter if these are stored upside down or face up? I think I had mine upside down so maybe it was too wet if that makes sense.
The first time I tried my Wet Cement, my image was also blotchy too. Then I remembered that someone on a different thread and suggested "priming" the clear stamps first with an earasr to get a better image. After I primed my stamps (set stamp from June's kit Add on #4), the image was PERFECT. It does start off blotchy but it dries perfectly clear. Hope that helps.
hey jenjeb, what do you mean, primed with an eraser? ive never heard/tried that before...how does it work?
i did receive the ink pad in the mail, so maybe it is alittle too wet from the way it was packaged? i really love the color of the ink, so im hoping that i can figure it out...this priming thing sounds promising :)
I have noticed this about my HA shadow inks. My experience has been quite inconsistent. My "Soft Brown" one is extremely blotchy even after the image is try. My "Stone Wash" stamps really well and is not at all blotchy. This is using the exact same stamp on the same paper, mind you. So I don't think they're all the same. :(
i love the Shadow Inks...i 'prime' my larger acrylic stamps with VersaMark first and then start stamping. They were blotchy until dry...it's the ink i used on every one of the word bubble stamps from my gallery this month, so they dried ok for me?
I just bought 4 of the HA mid tone inks specifically because they have been promoted not to be blotchy and to stamp smoothly when dry. If this doesn't turn out to be the case I will contact HA. I have learned to expect the blotchyness (new word) from other inks because they aren't promoted as such.
I have always been very pleased with HA products and I hope this will be the case with the inks.
I did another test with my wet cement ink. The image remained blotchy until it had dried for a couple of hours. Now it looks just great. On the issue of priming, I prime my acrylic stamps with Ranger archival black. Tim Holtz recommends just letting it sit on the stamp. Sounds similar to what Nicole does with VersaMark. Good luck, those of you who are having trouble! Contacting HA sounds like a good idea if the problem persists.
I'd like to get a bit more information on the type of stamps you all might be having trouble with when using these inks. Generally, the Mid-Tone and Soft Shadow inks perform beautifully with solid type images (Clear, Cling and Woodblock). They are less desirable for fine detail type images.
Priming or cleaning a stamp first will give you a better image. Also getting really good coverage of ink (I tap the ink pad to my stamp several times before stamping). I also find that I get really great results when I stamp on smooth cardstock such as Neenah or Hero Arts Snow Layering paper.
Hero Arts stands behind their product 100%. If you are not satisfied, you can contact customer service info@heroarts.com for a replacement.
Have you tried the spoon trick? Sometimes, the ink might not be evenly distributed and rubbing the inkpad with the back of a spoon (pressing down a bit), will help even the ink out. Good luck!
I received my midtone inks today and stamped with them right away.
I'm happy to report that they work beautifully!
TIPS:
1. Be sure to be generous with the amount of ink on the stamp-It should be juicy
2. Let the paper soak in the ink. I found that when I removed the stamp from the paper right away the image stayed blothy-even after it was dry.
.
The Butter Bar and Bubble Gum are yummy!
The Field greens is taking some getting used to-I thought it would be brighter but it seems dull compared to the other colors.
I ordered Soft pool but received the wrong one. I got the regular shadow ink instead of the mid tone ink. I already contacted SC and am waiting for a response.
is anyone else having a problem stamping a clear image? i just picked up the "wet cement" and cannot seem to get a clear stamped image - the ink seems to be very blotchy. anyone else having this problem? any suggestions?
My experience is that the blotchiness is only there until the ink is dry, and then it dries into a nice smooth color. In fact, these are my favorite inks for large stamps with lots of solid area. Maybe inking it more thoroughly would help, but do expect blotchiness at first.
I also bought this to try and was unimpressed. I know the image is to smooth out as it dries, but mine did not. Was disappointed. I was going to try playing some more, but have not had the chance yet. I'm hoping it gets better or was just the stamp I was using.
I'll be watching. I had a similar result the first time and haven't used it again. my result was similar to what I get w/ the JBS inks, but didn't really try to much. Does it matter if these are stored upside down or face up? I think I had mine upside down so maybe it was too wet if that makes sense.
The first time I tried my Wet Cement, my image was also blotchy too. Then I remembered that someone on a different thread and suggested "priming" the clear stamps first with an earasr to get a better image. After I primed my stamps (set stamp from June's kit Add on #4), the image was PERFECT. It does start off blotchy but it dries perfectly clear. Hope that helps.
hey jenjeb, what do you mean, primed with an eraser? ive never heard/tried that before...how does it work?
i did receive the ink pad in the mail, so maybe it is alittle too wet from the way it was packaged? i really love the color of the ink, so im hoping that i can figure it out...this priming thing sounds promising :)
i think you just rub the eraser over it?
not sure but i need to try this too
Just rub the eraser over the whole stamp. I usually prime rubber stamps this way (solid images), and use a sanding block on my clear stamps.
ill have to give it a shot...thanks!
I found the same problem until I very lightly sanded my clear stamps.
Could the type of paper used also make a difference?
Yes - I just rubbed an eraser over the stamps. Lots of people use sandpaper as well but I didn't have any on hand :)
I have noticed this about my HA shadow inks. My experience has been quite inconsistent. My "Soft Brown" one is extremely blotchy even after the image is try. My "Stone Wash" stamps really well and is not at all blotchy. This is using the exact same stamp on the same paper, mind you. So I don't think they're all the same. :(
i love the Shadow Inks...i 'prime' my larger acrylic stamps with VersaMark first and then start stamping. They were blotchy until dry...it's the ink i used on every one of the word bubble stamps from my gallery this month, so they dried ok for me?
I just bought 4 of the HA mid tone inks specifically because they have been promoted not to be blotchy and to stamp smoothly when dry. If this doesn't turn out to be the case I will contact HA. I have learned to expect the blotchyness (new word) from other inks because they aren't promoted as such.
I have always been very pleased with HA products and I hope this will be the case with the inks.
I did another test with my wet cement ink. The image remained blotchy until it had dried for a couple of hours. Now it looks just great. On the issue of priming, I prime my acrylic stamps with Ranger archival black. Tim Holtz recommends just letting it sit on the stamp. Sounds similar to what Nicole does with VersaMark. Good luck, those of you who are having trouble! Contacting HA sounds like a good idea if the problem persists.
Hello everyone!
I'd like to get a bit more information on the type of stamps you all might be having trouble with when using these inks. Generally, the Mid-Tone and Soft Shadow inks perform beautifully with solid type images (Clear, Cling and Woodblock). They are less desirable for fine detail type images.
Priming or cleaning a stamp first will give you a better image. Also getting really good coverage of ink (I tap the ink pad to my stamp several times before stamping). I also find that I get really great results when I stamp on smooth cardstock such as Neenah or Hero Arts Snow Layering paper.
Hero Arts stands behind their product 100%. If you are not satisfied, you can contact customer service info@heroarts.com for a replacement.
Thanks!
Shari
^^ thanks shari! i am going to try the versamark tonight - if i dont have different results, then ill definitely contact customer service :)
Have you tried the spoon trick? Sometimes, the ink might not be evenly distributed and rubbing the inkpad with the back of a spoon (pressing down a bit), will help even the ink out. Good luck!
^^ ill give that a shot too - thanks for all your suggestions ladies <33
Thanks for the tips.
I received my midtone inks today and stamped with them right away.
I'm happy to report that they work beautifully!
TIPS:
1. Be sure to be generous with the amount of ink on the stamp-It should be juicy
2. Let the paper soak in the ink. I found that when I removed the stamp from the paper right away the image stayed blothy-even after it was dry.
.
The Butter Bar and Bubble Gum are yummy!
The Field greens is taking some getting used to-I thought it would be brighter but it seems dull compared to the other colors.
I ordered Soft pool but received the wrong one. I got the regular shadow ink instead of the mid tone ink. I already contacted SC and am waiting for a response.